Chiropractic FTW

Years ago, my chiropractor diagnosed me with spondylolisthesis, plus a bulging disc. I’ve been visiting her once a month for some 13 years now, to keep things healthy and make sure nothing gets too far out of whack.

Last month, I had four visits to the chiropractor’s office in just over a week, thanks to my disc pressing on a nerve and giving me the worst back pain I’ve experienced in a very long time. Since the chiropractor I normally see is semi-retired now and is only available on certain days of the week, I got to see two of the other docs at the practice. They were both just as helpful as my usual doc would have been, and got me back to normal pretty quickly.

Side note: It’s interesting how different people have different styles of chiropractic manipulation. I especially like my chiropractor’s niece, who is now in charge of the day-to-day management of the practice.

At my regularly scheduled visit earlier this week, my usual doc explained that the constant tension that’s cropped up in a new spot on my lower back is due to my right glute being in spasms. I’ve been instructed to massage the ever-loving hell out of it, preferably with a tennis ball. She also advised me that the stronger my glutes are, the healthier my back will be overall.

I suspect that my increased number of back issues lately is due to my weight and my loss of general muscle tone. If I needed a “why” with a sense of urgency in order to focus on my physical health, I think this is a good one. I miss the days when my back didn’t hurt all the time.

Hobby-ception

Last week, The YouTube Algorithm thought I’d like to watch a video about making linocut prints.

After going down a fascinating rabbit hole of learning about carving techniques, Picasso’s reduction printing process, and a few other topics, I realized that this could be a great alternative to sewing custom tags into garments and other sewing projects I make.

I ordered up a box of pink erasers, designed a “2024” stamp, and set about finding my Speedball carving tool.

(That last step took a few days… I stored my rarely-used carving tool someplace clever so I’d remember where I put it.)

This morning, I carved my stamp, and I am pleased. It’s not perfect, but it’s what I wanted, and I’m not going to let perfect be the enemy of good.

7th Grader

While waiting for the bus this morning, wearing his vintage Southview High School jacket in the 54°F weather, Connor assured me, “There’s probably gonna be kids wearing shorts.”

Connor has eschewed shorts all summer, opting instead for joggers and jeans. Some of those pants have become high-waters over the past few months — the tiny hole he tore in the knee of one pair of athletic pants during skateboard camp back in late May has migrated at least an inch northward since.

He didn’t request any new clothes for the new school year, although I did buy him new shoes and a couple new pairs of jeans. Interesting how his style changes over the years… In elementary school, he always wanted to dress up for the first day of school, and that became what he was known for. Nowadays, he’s leaning toward graphic tees with gaming themes, topped with a dapper hat (although the hat will have to stay in his locker for the day).

Connor’s summer has been uneventful overall, so while he’s not exactly glad to be back at school, he’s looking forward to getting back to the usual routine.

Me, too, dude. Me, too.

Seven Years Later

In August 2017, when Connor was about to start first grade, he and I spent a few days in Dayton to visit my late grandparents and my BFF, Amy.

This past week, he and Aaron and I all spent a few days in Dayton to visit Amy. Of course, I took the opportunity to capture a then-and-now photo at JD’s Custard.